From Cobra to Corvette: Superformance to introduce 1963 Grand Sport replica
Superformance 1963 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
Despite its relatively short list of on-track achievements, the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic racecar. Built to compete with the likewise-iconic Cobra, the Grand Sport dominated the Shelby when the two went head-to-head, but the program was axed by General Motors before it would make a significant impact on motorsports. Still, the five chassis have become coveted collector cars and command prices into the multi-millions of dollars.
While the privilege of owning an original Corvette Grand Sport is limited to just a fortunate few, Superformance is now offering the next best thing. The SoCal-based company is perhaps best known for their Cobra and GT40 replicas, but a new licensing agreement with GM has opened doors to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model that will be available as either a coupe or convertible. Customers will also have the option of a street or race version (pictured).
As with their GT40, Superformance have gone to great lengths to insure that the Grand Sport is as identical to the original as possible. They even acquired the original blueprints and molds to one of the original race cars to produce accurate components. Powertrain options will be nearly endless, as the engine bay has been designed to accept most of the GM Performance Parts crate engines. Hit the jump for the official press release from Superformance, or check out the high-res gallery of the Superformance Grand Sport race car below.
Gallery: Superformance Corvette Grand Sport
[Source: Superformance]
PRESS RELEASE:
ICONIC CORVETTE R REBORN
Glories of yesteryear were conceived when General Motors licensed a Californian specialist sports car partnership in early 2009 to resume production of the iconic 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, arguably GM's most prestigious track racer ever.
Duntov/Superformance LLC lost no time in turning opportunity into reality, and Duntov immediately began production of the race version of the Grand Sport, which has already raced and won a number of events this year.
Now the street version of this popular 1960's muscle car will follow with the series production of a Turn Key Minus chassis by Superformance. The original Grand Sport - intended to be a "Cobra Killer" - were built by General Motors under the watchful eyes of Zora Arkus Duntov, GM's chief engineer at the time.
The value of a continuation model and that of a historic original is encapsulated in its authenticity. Superformance went to great lengths to ensure that the new street version would be as like the original Grand Sport as two peas are in a pod having acquired the original blue prints and molds off the original #2 Grand Sport.
With only five originals ever built, the Superformance Grand Sport will give buyers the opportunity to own a piece of GM's rich history. What makes this street version an even more valuable product is that it is licensed by its originators and that is not only meant to be raced, but is equally at home as a daily driver..
The SPF Grand Sport will be available in a roadster or coupe version and the technical originality is ensured by the legendary discipline and precision that has made Superformance products the leading fully assembled rolling chassis in the world.
Each SPF Grand Sport will be professionally engineered, custom crafted and professionally assembled in the largest and most modern privately owned specialist automotive manufacturing facility in the world.
The design of the Grand Sport chassis enables owners to select their drive trains from virtually any General Motors crate option available. The first completed street version rollers will be available in the US in mid 2010. Current orders can be placed by calling (949) 900-1950 or sending an email to info@superformance.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul 1:41PM (11/11/2009)
Sounds cool, but what chassis will they use? Will it too be identical to the C2 Corvette? If so, this would be a genuine continuation. If not...ehhhhh.
This would be even cooler if it'll be eligible for racing at some point. A "correct" chassis would potentially earn it some FIA papers.
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Imag 5:05PM (11/11/2009)
IIRC, the Grand Sport used a custom tube frame - it wasn't really a C2 underneath. I assume that's what they have replicated in detail.
JB35 1:43PM (11/11/2009)
Will Gm let Superformance also build '67 Sting Ray coupes and roadsters? That I would definitely buy!
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Russell 1:46PM (11/11/2009)
The grand sport is pretty bad ass but a plain ol' 63 vette in silver kills it.
nothing is sexier...
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Scott K. 1:52PM (11/11/2009)
It's official. Superformance is my favoritist replica manufacturer. This looks awesome!
I think it would be a horrible shame if they don't use this as a start for a base '67 replica.
Now, time to win the lottery...
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larry raines 2:00PM (11/11/2009)
are we supposed to build this and then drive it on the street?
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tommy 2:22PM (11/11/2009)
Yup
Your posted to go cobra hunting wit dem!
why not the LS2LS7? 2:35PM (11/11/2009)
Goddamn that's sexy.
The lighting/angle in this pic is poor, it makes the car appear is if the driver used it to apply the chrome horn to another car before the pics were taken.
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Imag 3:53PM (11/11/2009)
*clap* *clap*
Right the f___ on Superformance! When my stock options vest, you may have a customer. That's awesome.
I wonder what they're doing about brakes. I assume they are just going with something modern and off the shelf...
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TonyInMI 4:50PM (11/11/2009)
Awesome. Just awesome. These cars have such a rich history.
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Paul Allen 6:24PM (11/11/2009)
Lots of good info on the originals, and detailed restoration shots, here:
http://www.racingicons.com/gs/index.html
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RLQ 1:42AM (11/12/2009)
Real men don't need big windshields.
Do want.
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thunder66 6:48AM (11/12/2009)
Wow! I need a smoke after viewing that gallery!